FR Doc E6-2443
[Federal Register: February 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 35)]
[Notices]
[Page 9149]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22fe06-119]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural
History, New York, NY
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the
completion of an inventory of human remains in the possession of the
American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY. The human remains
were removed from Newport and Washington Counties, RI.
This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003 (d)(3).
The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the
museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native
American human remains. The National Park Service is not responsible
for the determinations in this notice.
A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by American
Museum of Natural History professional staff in consultation with
representatives of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island.
Prior to 1907, human remains representing a minimum of one
individual were collected by an unknown person from Prudence Island,
Newport County, RI. The American Museum of Natural History received the
human remains from Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy as a gift in 1953. No
known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects are
present.
This individual has been identified as Native American based on
geographic and documentary evidence and on information obtained in
consultation. The human remains are associated with the culture name
``Narragansett,'' and the Museum has determined that they are likely
culturally affiliated with the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode
Island. Although museum documentation and visual osteological
assessment suggest that this individual is ``European,'' the museum
catalog states that the human remains are believed to be from a
Narragansett Indian burial. In consultation, representatives of the
Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island have advised that they
consider the human remains to be culturally affiliated with the tribe.
They further noted that the Narragansett have occupied Prudence Island
for thousands of years and had used it as a burial ground. Although no
specific archeological information has been found that pertains to the
duration of Narragansett use of this island, the archeological record
indicates a lengthy period of continuity in the general area.
About 1910, human remains representing a minimum of three
individuals were collected by an unknown person one half mile from
Ninigret Fort, Dutch Point, near Charlestown, Washington County, RI.
The American Museum of Natural History received the human remains as a
gift in 1935 from William B. Goodwin, who acquired them from the owner
of the land on which they were found. No known individuals were
identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
The human remains have been identified as Native American based on
geographic location and historical evidence. Museum records suggest
that the human remains date to the postcontact period. Fort Ninigret
and the area around Charlestown are associated with the postcontact
Niantic Tribe. In 1675, the Narragansett Indians merged with the
Niantic Indians living in Charlestown; this combined group took the
name Narragansett, now the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island.
During consultation, the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island
claimed this area as part of their aboriginal territory.
Officials of the American Museum of Natural History have determined
that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (9-10), the human remains described
above represent the physical remains of a minimum of four individuals
of Native American ancestry. Officials of the American Museum of
Natural History also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001
(2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be
reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and the
Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island.
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to
be culturally affiliated with the human remains should contact Nell
Murphy, Director of Cultural Resources, American Museum of Natural
History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192,
telephone (212) 769-5837, before March 24, 2006. Repatriation of the
human remains to the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island may
proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
The American Museum of Natural History is responsible for notifying
the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island that this notice has been
published.
Dated: January 27, 2006.
C. Timothy McKeown,
Acting Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. E6-2443 Filed 2-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-50-S